Octopus Energy customers are being urged to take advantage of the supplier’s “Free Electricity Session” this weekend, which could see consumers win extra prizes this winter.
British households, many of whom are grappling with unprecedented energy debt totalling £3.9billion, can access financial relief through complimentary electricity periods offered by the firm this weekend.
The energy provider has scheduled a one-hour session tonight between 9pm and 10pm, followed by an extended three-hour window tomorrow from midday until 3pm.
These cost-free periods arrive as households face mounting financial strain, with 38 per cent of those seeking assistance now overdue on their gas and electricity payments, according to polling from Money Wellness.
Octopus Energy is offering customers free electricity this weekend – are you eligible?
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GETTY/PAThe initiative forms part of broader industry efforts to ease the burden on consumers, as typical household debt reaches £14,290, marking a 9.3 per cent increase from the previous year.
This financial burden extends beyond energy costs, with nearly half of households unable to meet essential expenses.
Money Wellness reports that 49 per cent lack sufficient income to cover basic necessities, whilst almost a quarter have fallen behind on rent or mortgage payments.
Energy bills remain approximately 60 per cent higher than pre-crisis levels, forcing families to deplete savings or rely on credit to maintain heating.
The October price cap increase added £35 to annual dual-fuel costs, bringing typical bills to £1,755.
Although the percentage seeking assistance with energy arrears decreased from 50 per cent to 38 per cent, experts suggest this reflects shifting priorities rather than improved circumstances.
Participants in Octopus Energy’s Octoplus rewards programme receive complimentary electricity beyond their standard consumption when wholesale prices decline substantially or turn negative.
Throughout 2025, members have accumulated over £2.5million in free power and secured £150,000 in prizes through Power Tower achievements.
The scheme includes an upcoming prize draw for a Ford Puma Gen-E Premium electric vehicle, available to customers who participate in at least one session this year once collective savings reach £2.6million.
Outside of Octopus Energy, several other major suppliers operate comparable programmes, including EDF, OVO and ScottishPower.
These firms are offering flexible tariffs that provide credits, monetary rewards and cost-free electricity periods when customers adjust consumption to off-peak times.
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Rebecca Dibb-Simkin, the chief product and marketing officer at Octopus Energy, said: “Free Electricity sessions are back this weekend – and they’re bigger than ever.
“When the wind’s blowing and the sun’s shining, our customers can soak up that green energy without paying a penny extra.
“That means more time to charge up, cook, or watch telly guilt-free, while knowing they’re doing their bit for the planet and could even win a free EV.”
Sebrina McCullough, director of external relations at Money Wellness, described energy debt as “living debt”, explaining: “You’re not just paying back what you owe, you’re also trying to keep up with new bills landing on the doormat.”